An Easy Way For More Absorbent, Better Smelling Towels

Smelly towels? Learn the trick to make them smell fresh and new again!

When you are drying off with your towel, you might catch a whiff from your towel, which is, shall we say “less than fresh.” You know you just washed it so why in the world would it still smell? Towels and washcloths tend get a build up of detergent and fabric softener. This actually attracts smelly mildew and can even waterproof your towels. That not only makes them smelly, but also can reduce the absorbency.

Rather than toss them away and purchase new ones, you can bring new life back to your towels with a simple solution — Vinegar and Baking Soda. These two will work together: The vinegar strips the detergent and softener build up. Then, the baking soda will help remove the odors. Before you know it, they will not only smell much better, but actually become more absorbent.

REMOVE THE SMELL FROM TOWELS

Washing Machine with HOT water (do not use any other temperature setting)

Whichever method you use below, to NOT use detergent nor dryer sheets. That will just create more build up.

TOP LOADING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS

Place your towels into the washing machine and fill with hot water. To make it extra hot, you can even boil a large pot of water and pour it into the machine to ensure it is extra hot.

Once filled with water, pour in a cup of vinegar and run the machine through a cycle. When done, refill the basin again with HOT water. This time, add 1/2 cup of baking soda once the tub is filled. Run through another cycle.

Dry as usual and your towels should be as good as new! If you find they are not, just repeat the process and it should work.

FRONT LOADING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS

Place your towels into the washing machine. Add one up of vinegar to the laundry detergent dispenser. Run a cycle using HOT water and HOT rinse cycle.

When done, repeat the process, but use 1/2 cup – 1 cup of baking soda in the dispenser. Run again using hot water.

Dry as usual and your towels should be as good as new! If you find they are not, just repeat the process and it should work.

TIPS TO KEEP TOWELS FROM SMELLING

1. Don’t allow odors to build up in your machine.

When done with the laundry, keep the door open, if possible. The heat and moisture in the machine can cause mildew to build up, which will transfer the odors into your towels.

2. Do not use too much detergent.

Believe it or not, you do not need to use the amount of detergent as listed on the product label. In fact, you can use 1/3 of the amount they recommend and your clothes will still get clean. Not only will this tip prevent build up, but it will also help save you money as you won’t go through detergent nearly as quickly!

3. Make sure the towels are completely dry before folding and putting them away.

If they are slightly damp at all, it will create odors.

4. Hang your towels up after each use.

Don’t just hook it on the wall, or even fold it and place it on a towel bar. Keep it open across the bar until dried.

5. Clean your machine.

Take the time to wash your machine to kill odors. You can do this easily by adding one cup of vinegar to an empty machine and running hot water through it. Then, repeat the process with 1 cup of baking soda.

I'm Tracie! Several years ago, my husband and I found a way to work ourselves out of more than $35,000 in debt. As a result of our journey, we now help families learn to do the same. I share my tips on life, family and finances - to help others achieve this same goal of living a debt free life! Learn more about me and my family HERE.

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Tracie is a stay at home mom to three young children; ages 8, 9 and 12. In November 2007, she and her husband decided to eliminate their debt and made many changes in their lifestyle to do just that.

She and her husband eradicated over $37,000 in debt in 27 months, through both budgeting and learning how to live a frugal life. She now shares her knowledge in order to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars so you can live the life you want.